What to Do About...

The What to Do About... series highlights a specific issue and features experts who put forward competing analyses, and policy prescriptions in a mock high-level U.S. government meeting. This series is made possible through the generous support of Home Box Office.

Venezuela is in the midst of an unprecedented economic and political crisis. During this event, panelists discuss the effects of this turmoil on the region, current U.S. and international policy towards Venezuela, and possible options to address the growing crisis.

Experts discuss U.S. policy options toward Syria including military intervention, prioritizing the fight against ISIS, cooperation with Russia, and responding to chemical attacks from the Assad government.

Experts discuss U.S. policy options toward Russia including continued sanctions, possible cooperation with Russia in Syria, and responding to increased tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Karen E. Donfried of the German Marshall Fund and CFR Fellows Robert Kahn and Stephen Sestanovich join CFR President Richard N. Haass to discuss the crisis in Ukraine and its implications for U.S. foreign policy.

More than three years after the start of the Syrian civil war, debates continue about what role, if any, the United States should play in the conflict. Ryan C. Crocker of Texas A&M, Freedom House's Charles W. Dunne, and Paul R. Pillar of Georgetown University join CFR President Richard N. Haass to outline the courses of action available to the United States and debate whether U.S. intervention would be desirable or effective.

Despite President Obama's stated goal of closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay, it continues to hold dozens of detainees. Phillip Carter of the Center for a New American Security, Marc A. Thiessen of the American Enterprise Institute, and CFR's Matthew C. Waxman join CFR President Richard N. Haass to discuss the costs, benefits, and risks of keeping Guantanamo open.

With the Muslim Brotherhood sidelined for the time being and the military once again firmly in charge, the Egyptian political landscape has settled into a three-way stalemate between the Islamists, secular liberals, and old-guard elites.